A fluid connector comprising a base having a first through-hole concentrically positioned therein, the base comprising a first inner surface and a first outer surface, the base comprising at least one annular groove extending radially outwardly from the first inner surface, at least one ring-shaped seal, each seal located within the at least one annular groove, a washer positioned within the first through-hole, the washer having an inwardly facing partially spherical surface, and, a body having a second through-hole positioned therein, the body comprising a second inner surface and a second outer surface, wherein the second outer surface is partially spherical in shape, wherein the second outer surface of the body engages the at least one seal and the inwardly facing partially spherical surface of the washer, wherein the body is arranged to swivel within the second through-hole, and to pass fluid through the second through-hole.
|
1. A fluid connector, comprising:
a base comprising a first through-hole concentrically positioned therein, said base comprising a first inner surface and a first outer surface, said base comprising a first annular groove and a second annular groove extending radially outward from said first inner surface;
a first annular seal, said first annular seal located within said first annular groove;
a second annular seal, said second annular seal located within said second annular groove;
a washer positioned within said first through-hole, said washer having an inwardly facing partially spherical surface and an angled surface connected to the inwardly facing partially spherical surface, wherein said angled surface is arranged at least partially within the second annular groove, wherein the angled surface comprises a first section coplanar with an axis perpendicular to a centerline of the first through-hole and a second section arranged at an angle relative to the axis in a first axial direction toward the second annular seal, wherein the angle is less than 90 degrees, wherein the first annular seal is arranged on a first axial side of the second annular seal and the washer is arranged on a second axial side, opposite the first axial side, of the second annular seal; and,
a body having a second through-hole positioned therein, said body comprising a second inner surface and a second outer surface, wherein said second outer surface is partially spherical in shape, comprising an apex, wherein said second outer surface of said body engages said first annular seal, said second annular seal, and said inwardly facing partially spherical surface of said washer,
wherein said body is arranged to swivel within said first through-hole of said base, and to pass fluid through said second through-hole of said body.
9. A fluid connector, comprising:
a base comprising a first through-hole concentrically positioned therein, said base comprising a first inner surface and a first outer surface, said base comprising a first annular groove and a second annular groove extending radially outward from said first inner surface;
a first annular seal, said first annular seal located within said first annular groove;
a second annular seal, said second annular seal located within said second annular groove;
a washer positioned within said first through-hole and arranged completely within said base, said washer having an inwardly facing partially spherical surface and an angled surface, wherein said angled surface is arranged at least partially within said second annular groove, wherein the angled surface comprises a first section coplanar with an axis perpendicular to a centerline of the first through-hole and a second section arranged at an angle relative to the axis in a first axial direction toward the second annular seal, wherein the angle is less than 90 degrees, wherein the first annular seal is arranged on a first axial side of the second annular seal and the washer is arranged on a second axial side, opposite the first axial side, of the second annular seal;
a body having a second through-hole positioned therein, said body comprising a second inner surface and a second outer surface, wherein said second outer surface is partially spherical in shape, comprising an apex, wherein said second outer surface of said body engages said first annular seal, said second annular seal, and said inwardly facing partially spherical surface of said washer,
wherein said body is arranged to swivel within said first through-hole of said base, and to pass fluid through said second through-hole of said body, said first annular seal operatively arranged on a first side of said apex, and said second annular seal operatively arranged on a second side of said apex, said second side opposite said first side; and,
a retainer clip fixedly secured to said body, said retainer clip positioned within said second through-hole.
15. A fluid connector, comprising:
a base comprising a first through-hole concentrically positioned therein, said base comprising a first inner surface and a first outer surface, said base comprising a first annular groove and a second annular groove extending radially outward from said first inner surface;
a protrusion operatively arranged between said first annular groove and said second annular groove;
a first annular seal, said first annular seal located within said first annular groove;
a second annular seal, said second annular seal located within said second annular groove;
a washer secured within said first through-hole, said washer having an inwardly facing partially spherical surface and an angled surface, wherein said angled surface is arranged at least partially in said second annular groove, wherein the angled surface comprises a first section coplanar with an axis perpendicular to a centerline of the first through-hole and a second section arranged at an angle relative to the axis in a first axial direction toward the second annular seal, wherein the first annular seal is arranged on a first axial side of the second annular seal and the washer is completely arranged on a second axial side, opposite the first axial side, of the second annular seal;
a body having a second through-hole positioned therein, said body comprising a second inner surface and a second outer surface, wherein said second outer surface is partially spherical in shape, wherein said second outer surface of said body engages said first annular seal, said second annular seal, and said inwardly facing partially spherical surface of said washer,
wherein:
said washer is arranged to contain said second annular seal within the second annular groove on the first axial side;
said protrusion is arranged to contain said second annular seal within the second annular groove on the second axial side, opposite the first axial side; and,
said body is arranged to swivel within said first through-hole of said base, and to pass fluid through said second through-hole of said body; and,
a retainer clip fixedly secured to said body and axially displaced from said base, said retainer clip positioned within said second through-hole, said retainer clip securing a connector tube to said fluid connector.
4. The fluid connector as recited in
5. The fluid connector as recited in
6. The fluid connector as recited in
7. The fluid connector as recited in
8. The fluid connector as recited in
12. The fluid connector as recited in
13. The fluid connector as recited in
14. The fluid connector as recited in
16. The fluid connector as recited in
17. The fluid connector as recited in
18. The fluid connector as recited in
19. The fluid connector as recited in
|
The invention relates generally to a fluid connector, and, more specifically, to a fluid connector with a body which allows for swiveling of the body to prevent excessive stress and strain on the fluid connector.
Fluid connectors are integral components for automotive applications. Since an automotive system is made up of various components such as a radiator, transmission, and engine, fluid must be able to travel not only within each component but also between components. An example of fluid traveling between components is the transmission fluid traveling from the transmission to the transmission oil cooler in order to lower the temperature of the transmission fluid. Fluid predominantly moves between components via flexible or rigid hoses which connect to each component by fluid connectors.
Fluid connectors are typically configured in a fixed orientation with respect to inlet and outlet, regardless of what vehicle they are used in, and regardless of what components they are intended to connect, and regardless of where those components may be located in different vehicles. This fixed, rigid configuration causes complications for the positioning of fluid hoses since the hoses must be bent and contorted in order to fit properly. If a fluid hose is bent or contoured in excess, this can place excessive stress and strain on the connection between the fluid connector and the fluid hose, causing the connection to become weak. Additionally, the connection between the fluid connector and fluid hose may leak fluid due to an improper fit which in turn could cause excessive fluid loss of critical components such as the engine, causing overheating and possible damage if not discovered and fixed.
A possible solution to this problem would be to install angled fluid connectors which would direct the fluid hose in the appropriate direction. Unfortunately, if the angle at which the fluid connector is bent is also fixed, this doesn't solve the problem if the connected components are rearranged in a new configuration.
Another possible solution to this problem is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0012329 (Brown). Brown discloses a swivel fitting for two pipes where one of the pipes has a substantially concave end and the other pipe has a substantially convex end, with the one pipe fitting into the other. Unfortunately, Brown fails to disclose a type of securement means other than the concave seal itself. If excessive force is placed on the swivel fitting, the seal will fail and fluid passing through the fitting may potentially leak. Additionally, Brown fails to disclose a method of securing the fitting to a fluid transfer component.
Thus, there has been a long-felt need for a fluid connector which allows for various mounting angles with a fluid hose, where the mounting angle can be adjusted depending on the application.
The present invention broadly comprises a fluid connector, comprising a base having a first through-hole concentrically positioned therein, the base comprising a first inner surface and a first outer surface, the base comprising at least one annular groove extending radially outwardly from the first inner surface, at least one ring-shaped seal, each seal located within the at least one annular groove, a washer positioned within the first through-hole, the washer having an inwardly facing partially spherical surface, and, a body having a second through-hole positioned therein, the body comprising a second inner surface and a second outer surface, wherein the second outer surface is partially spherical in shape, wherein the second outer surface of the body engages the at least one seal and the inwardly facing partially spherical surface of the washer, wherein the body is arranged to swivel within the second through-hole, and to pass fluid through the second through-hole.
Additionally, the present invention comprises a fluid connector, comprising a base, the base comprising a first through-hole concentrically positioned therein, the base further comprising a first inner surface and a first outer surface, and at least one annular groove extending radially outwardly from the first inner surface, at least one ring-shaped seal, each seal located within the at least one annular groove, a washer positioned within the first through-hole, the washer having an inwardly facing partially spherical surface, a body having a second through-hole positioned therein, the body comprising a second inner surface and a second outer surface, wherein the second outer surface is partially spherical in shape, wherein the second outer surface of the body engages the at least one seal and the inwardly facing partially spherical surface of the washer, wherein the body is arranged to swivel within the second through-hole, and to pass fluid through the second through-hole, the connector further comprising a retainer clip fixedly secured to the body, the retainer clip positioned within the second through-hole.
Additionally, the present invention comprises a fluid connector, comprising a base, the base comprising a first through-hole concentrically positioned therein, the base comprising a first inner surface and a first outer surface, the base comprising a first annular groove and a second annular groove extending radially outwardly from the first inner surface, a first ring-shaped seal, the first seal located within the first annular groove, a second ring-shaped seal, the second seal located within the second annular groove, a washer positioned within the first through-hole, the washer having an inwardly facing partially spherical surface, a body having a second through-hole positioned therein, the body comprising a second inner surface and a second outer surface, wherein the second outer surface is partially spherical in shape, wherein the second outer surface of the body engages the at least one seal and the inwardly facing partially spherical surface of the washer, wherein the body is arranged to swivel within the second through-hole, and to pass fluid through the second through-hole and, a retainer clip fixedly secured to the body, the retainer clip positioned within the second through-hole, the retainer clip arranged to secure a connector tube to the fluid connector.
A primary object of the invention is to provide a fluid connector which can swivel at various angles to prevent excessive stress and strain on the joint between the fluid connector and a hose connected thereto which could lead to failure of the seals within the fluid connector, or a failure of the connecting hose.
These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon a review of the following detailed description of the invention, in view of the drawings and appended claims.
The nature and mode of operation of the present invention will now be more fully described in the following detailed description of the invention taken with the accompanying figures, in which:
At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers on different drawing views identify identical, or functionally similar, structural elements of the invention. It is to be understood that the invention as claimed is not limited to the disclosed aspects.
Furthermore, it is understood that this invention is not limited to the particular methodology, materials and modifications described and as such may, of course, vary. It is also understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. It should be understood that any methods, devices or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the invention. The assembly of the present invention could be driven by hydraulics, electronics, and/or pneumatics.
Adverting now to the figures,
In order to assemble fluid connector 20, first seals 42 and 44 are inserted into base 24. Then body 22 is inserted into base 24 and then washer 29 is used to secure body 22 within base 24. In a preferred embodiment, washer 29 is secured to base 24 via crimping of base 24 after both body 22 and washer 29 are inserted within body 24. It should be appreciated, however, that the use of different securement methods is possible and considered to be within the scope of the invention as claimed. For example, washer 29 can have screws threads operatively arranged on surface 29a with corresponding screw threads positioned on surface 24b of base 24.
It will be appreciated that various aspects of the above-disclosed invention and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.
Patent | Priority | Assignee | Title |
Patent | Priority | Assignee | Title |
1132123, | |||
2151833, | |||
2421691, | |||
2473502, | |||
3454288, | |||
3515414, | |||
4005881, | Aug 06 1975 | HSI ACQUISITIONS, INC | Ring set ball coupling |
406561, | |||
4139221, | Oct 06 1975 | Ball and socket joint | |
4186950, | Sep 14 1977 | Comex Marine Services, Inc. | Coupling apparatus |
4776617, | Feb 14 1986 | Kabushiki Kaisha Suiken Technology | Telescopic swivel pipe joint |
5160176, | Nov 18 1991 | Stanley Aviation Corporation | Metal seal ball joint coupling assembly |
5507534, | Apr 29 1994 | Nordson Corporation | Hydraulic ball style swivel fitting |
5749606, | Feb 13 1996 | General Motors Corporation | Connector assembly with retainer |
7237808, | May 28 2004 | Tru-Fit Alignment Solutions, Inc. | Tube and pipe fittings |
7270348, | Dec 12 2003 | GOLDMAN SACHS BANK USA, AS SUCCESSOR COLLATERAL AGENT | Releasable connector including swivel |
787391, | |||
20040245777, | |||
20050012329, | |||
20050211444, | |||
20090226243, | |||
20100156096, | |||
20130125989, |
Executed on | Assignor | Assignee | Conveyance | Frame | Reel | Doc |
Dec 03 2014 | KUJAWSKI, JAMES A , JR | JIFFY-TITE CO , INC | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 034389 | /0964 | |
Dec 05 2014 | Oetiker NY, Inc. | (assignment on the face of the patent) | / | |||
Jun 29 2017 | JIFFY-TITE CO , INC | OETIKER NY, INC | CHANGE OF NAME SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 043205 | /0092 |
Date | Maintenance Fee Events |
Nov 06 2017 | BIG: Entity status set to Undiscounted (note the period is included in the code). |
May 03 2022 | M1551: Payment of Maintenance Fee, 4th Year, Large Entity. |
Date | Maintenance Schedule |
Nov 20 2021 | 4 years fee payment window open |
May 20 2022 | 6 months grace period start (w surcharge) |
Nov 20 2022 | patent expiry (for year 4) |
Nov 20 2024 | 2 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 4) |
Nov 20 2025 | 8 years fee payment window open |
May 20 2026 | 6 months grace period start (w surcharge) |
Nov 20 2026 | patent expiry (for year 8) |
Nov 20 2028 | 2 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 8) |
Nov 20 2029 | 12 years fee payment window open |
May 20 2030 | 6 months grace period start (w surcharge) |
Nov 20 2030 | patent expiry (for year 12) |
Nov 20 2032 | 2 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 12) |